Applied and Professional Ethics MA

at University of Leeds

You’ll study modules designed to give you a solid base of theoretical knowledge and high level research skills.
 

As you progress through your studies, you’ll apply what you’ve learned in an independent research project on a topic of your choice.
 

If you choose to study part-time, you’ll study over a longer period and take fewer modules in each year.

Modules

Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Introduction to Ethics: Reasons, Motivation, Obligations and Happiness   
• Professional Issues 1 
• Agents and Professional Responsibility   
• Dissertation    

A bachelor degree. Professional experience may also be considered. If you want to apply for this MA course but don't have a degree, you could begin your studies by completing the PGDip before applying for the MA. We look for your willingness and ability to think clearly and independently, as well as good writing skills, a basic understanding of philosophical ethics and any relevant experiences of ethical issues in practice
 

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. Contact the Admissions Office for more information.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component.
 

Documents to include

• Your degree certificate and transcripts of all relevant qualifications, or a partial transcript if you’re still studying.

• CV (optional).

• Details of two academic referees whom we can contact if needed.

• Evidence of your English language test scores, if English isn’t your first language.

• A personal statement in response to the questions asked in the supporting statement section of the application form. There's no word limit but you should include:

  • Why you want to study your chosen course at Leeds

  • What role ethics play in your professional life (if relevant)

  • What knowledge and understanding you currently have of ethics (if relevant)

  • How studying ethics will contribute to your academic and/or professional development
     

• Application essay: this will be used to assess your ability to construct arguments and defend a coherent ethical position. It should be 1000-1500 words long and address a topic relevant to your chosen course. You can choose from the questions below, or contact us about an alternative:

  • Can personal integrity and professional integrity ever conflict? If so, which should win out?

  • What is trust, and why is it so important in professional life?

  • Is a system of bonus pay compatible with a fair system of rewards?

  • What is Corporate (Social) Responsibility and to whom is such responsibility owed?

  • Does justice require equal pay for equal work?

  • Can deception in the workplace or in professional life ever be justified?

  • Can deception in research ever be justified?

  • When, if ever, would a professional be justified in breaching a client's confidentiality?

Fees

• UK: £9,750 (total)
• International: £9,750 (total)

Studying applied ethics will allow you to develop transferable skills in research, critical thinking and communication. It will also give you more confidence to handle situations with ethical implications in the workplace. All of this is good preparation for a range of careers, while it could also benefit you in your current role. In particular, this course gives you scope to develop your career in growing areas such as compliance and corporate social responsibility.